Posts Tagged ‘autism family’
Finding the Balance
I remember when our oldest son Cooper started disliking a lot of activities. It didn’t happen overnight. More like an evolution over months. He was 18 months. And refused to go outside. He looked at the world as a foreign place. But because he was little, we could still go places. But as he aged, it became nearly impossible. Until, we couldn’t really go anywhere at all. We learned that he loves being home. He loves being warm and cozy and snuggling under 7 fuzzy blankets. He likes watching The…
Read MoreGoodbye 2020
What is your word for 2021? Resolutions are hard. Heck most folks don’t make it past a week. So many people are picking a word to be mindful of throughout the year. Examples include patience, peace, success, health, rise, advocacy. I’ve been thinking about mine since last night. Last year my word was joy. I of course can’t pick just one. Content: Someone will always be skinnier. Someone will always be more successful, have more followers, be a better writer, make more money. Someone’s life will always appear easier than…
Read MoreThe Lessons He Teaches us
My husband and I work very hard to teach our son Jack practical life lessons. How to make breakfast, change a light bulb, feed the dog, get the mail—stuff like that. This isn’t always easy. It requires a lot of patience, and planning. You see, Jack has autism. He is sixteen. He doesn’t like lessons. He doesn’t quite comprehend things the same way other teenagers do. He needs step-by-step instructions, and a lot of cues. He is easily distracted by loud noises, or the looping track of ideas within his mind—what…
Read MoreThe Whispers of the Past
Throughout our journey to finding your voice I have come to learn the beauty in the simplicity of a whisper. There were days where I dreamt of your voice. I’d wake in tears trying to remember every moment, the tone, your facial expressions, but as quickly as the dream came, the memory of it left forever. My days would be filled with working with you on gaining communication skills, whether they would be by verbal speech or by hand gestures. I wanted, no I needed you to be able to…
Read MoreWhen it Snows
Research says people with autism often struggle with crushing anxiety, and may have a hard time forging meaningful connections with family, friends, and various social groups. When I read things like this, I see little more than a collection of letters on a page. As hard as I try, I cannot find my son within the sentences. And yet it is true, about the anxiety and the struggle to connect. Most of it, anyway. Or maybe some of it. { 5:46 in the morning } Mom. Mom. Wake up. Jack,…
Read More19 weeks
Truth time. I’ve been sad this pregnancy, which isn’t an emotion I’m used too. Happy, angry, exhausted, motivated, hungry…yes. Those emotions I know well. (Is hungry an emotion? I say yes because I feel that shit in my soul.) But sad…almost never. Especially not during any of my prior pregnancies. I am a glass half full kind of girl. A find the joy, focus on the positive person. So it’s been a tough go this last 19 weeks. I feel like a stranger in my own body most days. Like…
Read MorePerspective from an Autism Uncle
I remember my Godson Zachary’s first birthday after his severe, nonverbal autism and apraxia diagnosis. I remember it clearly. I bought him this Ninja Turtles hat, knowing he hated hats but I thought how that was the one he was going to love. Spoiler alert, he didn’t. I think everyone in Zachary’s village has had this kind of moment over the years…which is fine and mostly harmless…but this doesn’t do him any favors. I think about that moment often. I don’t remember ever discussing the hat any further but I…
Read MoreThe Scary Parts of Honesty and Social Media
Sometimes social media makes me feel bad. Specifically Instagram. Don’t get me wrong. I love seeing adorable kids, beautiful homes, and flawless faces…but…sometimes I feel a little less than perfect. Just last night I searched the hashtag #19weekspregnant and was hoping to see baby bumps that looked like mine. I saw perfectly toned and tan women in crop tops with six packs. That’s not me. And as much as I want my 37 year old, mother of 3 body, to be perfect, right now it’s packing on weight like a…
Read MoreMerry Christmas Eve
Merry Christmas Eve from our family to yours. Took 50 outtakes to get a good one! You can’t tell but this was a high stress moment for Coops. We are all counting down the minutes until bedtime and SANTA! Also, check out Jamie’s jammies. I ordered them for Cooper for his birthday and must have clicked the wrong size. No worries though. They fit dad! He was thrilled I promise. Although he did say let’s never speak of these again. Time to wrap presents! Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe,…
Read MoreComing May 2021
Baby girl Swenson joining her army of superhero brothers in May 2021! She’s going to be one loved little girl. I’m so excited with how these photos turned out! Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow…
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